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Depressant drugs, including alcohol and opiates, are among the oldest drugs known and used by man. Indeed, despite our extensive, modern pharmacopoeia, alcohol continues to be the most widely used and abused depressant drug in our society. Sedative-hypnotic drugs, appropriately prescribed, provide needed relief from debilitating anxiety and insomnia. Appropriately prescribed opiates ease the crippling effects of pain. Most people who need them respond well to them. Most physicians who prescribe them do so appropriately. But, influenced by genetic factors, environmental stressors, or inappropriate prescribing practices, a subgroup of patients experience a destructive compulsion when exposed to these critical drugs. The depressant drugs save the lives of many, and cause the destruction of others.

Many of the effects of the sedatives and hypnotics are roughly the opposite of the effects of stimulants. Although stimulants enhance mental and physical energy, the sedatives and hypnotics promote sedation and sleep. A sedative is a drug that promotes mental calmness; has a soothing, tranquilizing effect; reduces excessive anxiety; and may control dangerously aggressive behavior. Sedative drugs include most antianxiety drugs and some sleeping drugs. Certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medications have some sedative effect, but that is not their primary activity.

Sedation is a decrease in the individual's responsiveness to a constant level of stimulation, with a decrease in spontaneous mental and physical activity. Stimulation may originate from the environment, such as sensory or social stimulation. Stimulation may be internal, such as excessive anxiety and worry. Thus, sedation describes a decrease in internal stimulation and a decreased response to external stimulation. That is exactly what happens when most people drink alcohol or take a prescribed sedative.

The term hypnotic is derived from the Greek word hypnos, meaning sleep. Thus, hypnotics are drugs that promote sleep or drowsiness. (The misnamed term hypnotism refers to a state of increased mental concentration, although the hypnotized individual may appear to be asleep.) A number of drugs promote a strong hypnotic effect, including alcohol, some benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. Certain antihistamine and antidepressant medications have a limited hypnotic effect. Hypnotics may be sedatives, analgesics, anesthetics, or intoxicants. People often drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, take an over-the-counter antihistamine, or take a prescribed sleeping pill for the hypnotic effect. . .

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